M*Modal FFI Interface

Reacting to market forces, Multi Modalities, Inc. needed to update the visual design of their Fluency for Imaging product, a voice understanding and workflow manager for radiology. The following outlines how we began by capturing the desired perception, user needs, and company values to help guide the process. This helped to illuminate divergent options which differentiated the product and brought new simplified interactions to the experience of use.

Disciplines practiced:

• understand values & user needs

• interface visual language

• interface interaction design

• user testing

Philips Visual Language

Neoforma Design had the privilege of working together with the Philips Healthcare design team in creating the early stages of the Brand Identity Design Architecture (BIDA). In part, the vision was to discover a compelling home healthcare brand-evoking visual language across multiple product categories. During this period, I was able to help guide as a project coach, participate in several work shops, created design language in medical applications, and led the graphic user interface effort.

Disciplines practiced:

• industrial design language

• concept development

• graphic design language

• interface design language

• scenario development

• concept frameworks

• project coaching

Aethon Industrial Design

Neoforma created the industrial design for TUG, the Aethon flagship product designed for automated hospital delivery.

After many years using third party retrofitted carts, Aethon asked Neoforma Design to create a custom cart as part of the TUG product line. We began by reiterating company values and by understanding user insights such as safety, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes. Commercialization of robotics has proven to be one of the most challenging objectives. Because the design evokes values unique to Aethon and addresses the needs of users, this helped lead to divergent thinking and ultimately acceptance at the consumer level. The design language reflects dependability through geometry. This reinforces the brand message and differentiates the product within the market improving loyalty. In addition, requirements included maintenance, security, and working with the existing engineering framework and sensor array. We were able to minimize material by eliminating drawer handles completely, increasing manufacturing efficiencies and security.

As a natural evolution, the design language was extended to other uses across the company's product line. Today, the visual design of the TUG has become undeniably linked to Aethon's identity.

We partnered with FSG Design who provided the extraordinary mechanical design. I've always been impressed with their ability to help integrate the engineering and design during the design process. Thank you Frank Glogowski for a fantastic job. ( fsgdesign.com )

Philips Care Orchestrator UX & Visual Design

Neoforma Design was asked to lead the UX and Visual Design of Care Orchestrator, a sleep and respiratory care management system. It is a cloud-based application that weaves together homecare providers and physicians with patients that use CPAP and other sleep therapy devices.

Over a two year period, Neoforma worked closely with the Philips business, development, and marketing teams. Existing user research was harnessed to co-create a spectrum of wireframes and interactions that met the needs of patients and the Client (Philips). Neoforma helped shephard the design language that needed to adhere to guidelines consistently and evoke the Philips brand. The product was launched in late 2016 / early 2017.

Disciplines practiced:

• Interaction Design

• Visual Design

CMU Robotics: Interface Concept

Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute asked Neoforma Design to create an approachable interface experience for users of a robotic orchard autonomous mower. Vegetation overgrowth across a large complex area is a major problem for farmers. We brought the difficulty to a digestible level so farmers could control the functionality with a smart phone in the field while recieving real time feedback.

To the right are visual design results created within a very tight schedule and budget. Guiding principles included automation to promote efficiency; progressive disclosure (information as needed); and ease of use.

Poiesis Branding

Poiesis Informatics develops radiology healthcare IT solutions resulting in measurable improvements in workplace efficiency and quality of care. The company asked Neoforma Design to create an identity system that includes a capabilities brochure, corporate mark, and a 20' X 10' trade booth design.

Additionally, we worked with management to facilitate and guide the naming process of each product. The identity design language was then extended across each offering.

Poiesis was purchase by M*Modal, a complete clinical documentation solutions company, who then brought forward the "Fluency for Imaging" (FFI) product and name. Soon after, M*Modal hired Neoforma Design to created the visual language for the FFI interface.

Disciplines practiced:

• design strategy

• exhibit design

• corporate identity design

• graphic design

• product naming

Real Earth 3D Scanning

Real Earth, a spin-off of Near Earth, focuses on creating 3D photo-realistic maps for a range of applications such as building infrastructure management, search and rescue, localization, and more.

We were asked to harness existing user data combined with knowledge of the Real Earth technology to create a hand-carried solution. Using rapid prototyping methods, we fast-tracked the industrial design to help create a visual and functional concept prototype within a tight budget.

The hand-carried scanner (named "Contour") is compact and portable. It uses a laser and color camera to create a 3D map real-time in high resolution as the user walks within an interior space.

Sensible Localization

Over the years, we've had the honor of working together with the SMI team on several projects. Neoforma Design has served to guide the company and provide creativity in market positioning and design strategy. We've led several design efforts helping to orchestrate the brand across touch points. We helped the company to develop their positioning, create their identity, and express their offering.

As illustrated to the right, SMI ask Neoforma Design to provide the industrial and mechanical design for a localization & tracking sensor suite using optical beacons and low-cost obstacle detection sensors.

We partnered with FSG Design who provided the extraordinary mechanical design. I've always been impressed with their ability to help integrate the engineering and design during the design process. Thank you Frank Glogowski for a fantastic job. ( fsgdesign.com )

Disciplines practiced:

• industrial design language

• prototyping

Federated Print Collateral

For nearly two decades, Neoforma Design has created award winning corporate literature for Federated Investors, Inc., a wealth management company located in Pittsburgh, PA.

One of many projects shown includes "Regulation B," on the subject of fiduciary custody and wealth management activities. It consists of three sections including exemptions, analysis, and a questionnaire. It is packaged in a translucent durable sleeve.

Through out the creation of many pieces for Federated over the years, we've consistently approached their offering as a line of distinct products presented in exquisite packaging that evoke a memorable experience.

Regulation B is a winner of the AIGA Award for Design Excellence.

Philips Interface Visualization

Peace Leaf

Peace Leaf is a personal project motivated by years of being involved in the understanding of human behavior as well as my interest is self-understanding. Mostly, this project (and others) started to be motivated in part by a personal experience. During the conceptualization, I faced having to receive chemotherapy treatment and a stem cell transplant that have resulted in full remission. Although this was obviously difficult, I allowed myself to become an immersion researcher, observing the entire process with granularity and a global sense from an authentic patient’s perspective. This project only represents a small part, focusing on stress management and targeted at generation X women who were identified as early adopters.

Peace Leaf is a living project and requires clinical research and investment. Many products that utilize bio-feedback exist. It's always been a question for me why they seldom address emotional homeostasis and prevention. Inquires are welcome. Contact Paul at paul@neoformadesign.com.

Disciplines practiced:

• industrial design language

• interface design

• brand identity

• business plan development

• scenario development

Special thanks to Christina Worsing “Cycle of Service” inspired by Hugh Dubberly and Shelley Evenson, Cycle of Experience Model

UNA

The UNA chair is an object of beauty and a fun body-hugging experience created from something ordinary. This is a self-funded project to develop sustainable furniture for those who appreciate our environment.

End-of-use should be a renewable experience. In the design of the UNA chair, we strive to create a continuum of usability that evolves along our changing needs, age, thinking, and as part of an ecosystem (inspired by biomimicry). Janine Benyus says, "trees and bones are constantly reforming themselves along lines of stress." Permanence in furniture is wonderful, but most of us can't afford an original Eames chair that is intended to last. In contrast, nature is permanently changing. What if the objects we buy and use could consider more their end-of-use experience and change naturally? Our time is about change that fulfills permanently changing living-needs. Once you're ready, or want to change, the UNA can be sent back, recycled, and parts repurposed. New designs, forms, uses will evolve over time based on changing desires and aspirations.

With the UNA chair, our approach strives to eliminate the landfill from the product life cycle. The lack of oxygen in landfills inhibits the ability of even biodegradable trash to decompose below the layers. What's worse, landfills emit methane, impacting the environment even more than carbon dioxide.

UNA is also designed to fit well within your living space, to be comfortable, beautiful, and practical.

Vertical Farming Video CMU

"By the year 2050, we expect human population to increase to 9 billion and to be further concentrated in urban centers. An estimated billion hectares of new land will be needed to grow enough food to feed the earth. At present, however, over 80% of the land suitable for raising crops is already in use. Further, if trends in climate change persist, the amount of land available for farming will decrease. Since crops consume 87% of all water used globally, an increase in water usage is not possible. Finally, while the need is for 50% higher yield by the year 2050 to maintain the status quo, we expect agricultural productivity to decline significantly across the world, especially in densely populated areas. There is an urgent need for high-yield agriculture that decreases the use of water and carbon based inputs per unit of product, while simultaneously reducing vulnerability of crops to natural environmental conditions. Vertical Farming (using controlled environments for urban agriculture) will reduce transportation energy required from the distant outdoor farms. Recent implementations have shown high yields in the production of vegetables in controlled environments. Water usage has been significantly reduced compared to traditional outdoor farming, and crops are shielded from adverse climate, and, from pests and diseases. In addition, Vertical Farming has the potential to provide fresher and healthier produce to the local consumer.Since no one community or technology holds the magic key, the opportunity for us is to collectively enumerate and prioritize the challenges that must be addressed to bring high yield, resource efficient agriculture to fruition. Obviously the needs will vary depending on the locale addressed-- we expect that the needs for developing countries will be different than those that are less resource constrained. Simply put, our charter is to separate hope and hype from a well reasoned agenda based on science and economics, pointing out distinctions for various communities."

Reconstruction Therapy

Homelite

Carrol Gantz Design asked Neoforma Design to partner in the development of a gas-powered leaf blower for Homelite, Inc., a outdoor products company primarily known for their chain saws used by the handy-man persona. We were asked to redesign their 2-cycle gas leaf blower that could appeal to the needs of non-traditional users of garden products such as women.

Multiple concept sketches were explored which arrived at a final proposed realistic full-size model prototype. Needs included approachability and ease of use. As such, an electric start and color coded controls were integrated which helps guide the user toward points of interaction. The handle was designed for grip and comfort. One salient design element shined most prominently. This was what we coined as the "gutter-intake."

Interestingly, all other manufacturers of leaf blowers at the time were using "grill-type" vents on the side which allow air to be sucked into the device. This format exposes the spinning fins and creates very loud sound pollution which we found intimidates users and feels dangerous.

Our solution conceals the intake with a friendly soft cover that serves as an iconic and differentiating form from other makers. Simultaneously, this approach significantly reduces the decibel level and allows air to enter through the sides.

Additionally, we were asked to explore concepts for the company's evolving electric line. In part, the objective searched to expand the visual design realized in the previous effort. This included an electric blower, leaf trimmer, and weed trimmer.

Lastly, we also developed product literature and packaging brand guidelines that extended the visual language across touch points.

Aethon Corporate Identity

The inspiration behind the Aethon (pronounced ā-thon) logo is taken from ancient Greek mythology, one of nine winged steeds tugging the Sun Gods’ (Helius) chariot across the sky with predictability and reliability. Aethon’s memorable mark communicates dependability through geometry, and makes reference to the company’s TUG® medical product line. Neoforma Design also created the TUG® product identity and industrial design.

Winner of an AIGA award for design excellence

Neoforma Design has created industrial design and corporate identity for Aethon since it's inception in 2004. Aethon products have been featured in 60 Minutes, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

Respironics Packaging & POP

The following are packaging projects for Philips Respironics including the Acti-Watch sleep/activity monitoring system*, the CPAP and Humidifier shipper container, and the Snore Silencer product.

*Our role was to realize an existing concept for production.

Disciplines practiced:

• graphic design

• packaging design

• photography art direction

• product rendering and visualization

• production art development

• point of purchase design

Pax Health Corporate Identity

Neoforma Design was referred to Pax Health by Near Earth. We were engaged by Pax to create their corporate identity. Our first meeting revealed we had very similar approaches. We were interested in fulfilling human needs with beauty and meaningful visual design, and Pax was interested in a new peaceful and humanistic approach to healthcare insurance.

We applied and facilitated several design methods to help us discover the essence of the company. This included visual mapping and Round Robin (LUMA Institute). From here we were able to derive a consensus of visual criteria based on values and positioning with the objective to create an identifiable, and differentiating mark.

The result is more than a logo, but rather, a unified framework that serves to help guide decisions and bring consistency across touch points.

Disciplines practiced:

• branding

• design positioning

• design methods

• corporate identity

Philips Respironics Sleep Diagnostics

Philips Respironics asked Neoforma Design to create a tool used by technicians during sleep diagnostics for patients suffering from disorders such as sleep apnea. We harnessed existing user data, planned and executed several usability studies to help reveal some of the pitfalls and possibilities. New evolving design language was integrated during the design process.

Sleep Therapy Device

Philips Respironics asked us to redesign an existing sleep therapy device. The objective was to find a an approach that better evoked a home therapy design language. Requirements included utilizing the existing button configuration, existing circuit board, and the back housing enclosure.

To begin, we first evaluated usability. We identified therapy vs. machine functions as separate categories used at different key moments. We also learned that the device had no illumination. Buttons were often used in the dark during therapy. As such, patient users needed to "see with their fingers" to operate the device.

The resulting form expresses the softness of a bed and pillows. Similar to braille, a raised channel allows fingers to navigate the object to find primary buttons: on/off; and "start sleep." The start sleep button is large and soft to the touch, evoking comfort. More importantly, it is the largest, easiest to find button. The on/off button is long and metallic, implying a separate more machine-like tactile. Experimenting with color revealed opportunities for brand differentiation and ideas that better fit within the context of use.

Sobe Institute Lubricant Packaging & Vibrator Design

Women's sensual lubricant experiential packaging concept development and sensual vibrator product design. For more information about this project, please contact us at info@neoformadesign.com.

Disciplines practiced:

• packaging design

• industrial design

• brand development

• user insights development

• design strategy

• design management

• product identity

• corporate identity

• pitch development

• business model development

Civic Arena Signage

Mavrovic Architects, LLC brought us in to create the signage system for Pittsburgh's historic Civic Arena. The complete system included up to 35 different types of signs and totaled approximately 290 individual signs through out the facility.

Prime: Mavrovic Architects, LLC

Sub: Neoforma design

AIGA Judge's Choice Award, AIGA Award of Design Excellence

Winner of Design Excellence appearing in American Corporate Identity 2000, a national publication.

Stroller Design

Thorely Industries, LLC (4moms) brought us an existing stroller design concept and asked if we could do it better. After discussions, it was evident that two things were at the core, the approachability of the product, and it's visual design. Constraints included the ability to auto-fold the stroller and we only had like 2 weeks to get it done – perfect!

Given the challenging but well focused schedule, we centered on the frame. Many hand-drawn and CAD sketches later, we arrived at an iconic and caring form. The shape creates a safe "baby zone" and telescopes (instead of folding) around the soft goods to collapse into the folded configuration. This eliminates the need for a bulky hinge and brings lightness to the visual design. In addition, strength of engineering and safety is communicated with a rear wheel cantilevered axle configuration. This provides a sporty feel and a silhouette different from other strollers in the market.

To the right there are a series of concept sketches that helped to guide the industrial design early in the process.

California University of PA Viewbook

Philips Respironics Product Literature

Neoforma Design worked with the Philips Respironics design team to create the literature design for a range of products.